Standard Chartered Bank and Friendship are cooperating to perform 400 cataract surgeries for disadvantaged people in remote coastal regions of Bangladesh,for which reason 5 camps were set up in the area utilizing Friendship’s floating hospital, the Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital (RFH).
In the meantime, camps have been completed in Kuakata (Patuakhali), Mongla and Chalna (Khulna) and Hatiya (Noakhali). Now the currentone is in Kutubdia (Cox's Bazar).
On this occasion, Chief Chairperson of Standard Chartered Bank, Bitopii Das Chowdhury and Senior Manager Sajid Nurul Kabir visited Kutbdia Eye Camp today. Among those present at the hospital were Mrs. Golam Rasul, Head of Health at Friendship and the doctor on board of Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital, Dr. Ratan Khesa.
On the occasion, the guests visited various parts of the hospital and talked to patients who had cataract surgery. Johra Khatun (72), could not see for several years. Earlier, on Friendship's ship, her chest operation was supposed to take place, but she was too scared to go through with it. Now she feels a lot braver, after the operation on the left eye. Though there is still a little pain, it is okay now..When the next ship arrives, the right eye operation will also be done. Ahmed Noor (85), could not see because of cataract problems. Kutubdia does not have the facilities for an operation, and he would not be able to get treatment in Cox's Bazar either. Last year, he had a cataract surgery on his right eye,and since then has had absolutely clear eyesight. He does not need any help to get around or go the bathroom anymore. He has nowcome for the operation on the left eye. Hasina Khatun (32),could not use either of her eyes, and as a result could not work in the family for the last two years. Her 9-year-old little girl has to do everything around the house. This was causing a lot of problems at home. After the local representatives of Friendship went for a visit, she had decided to come in for a cataract surgery today. Hasina Khatun believes that the eye surgery will give her peace and happiness towards her daily life. This year Standard Chartered is celebrating 15th year of their ”Seeing is Believing” project, which has helped 150 million people in 36 countries starting from 2003. 400 cataract surgeries are going to be operated on Friendship's floating hospital Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital. After starting operation in 2013, the Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital has provided healthcare to more than 165,000 marginalised people.
Standard Chartered Bank's corporate affairs chief Bitopi Das Chowdhury said, "Rongdhonu’s staff have created a unique example by working to avoid a major public health issue, and Standard Chartered has been helping the blind people in 36 countries since 2003. I'm happy to be part of this project."
-rmc//